Loft Type Apartments: Features, Benefits, and Comparisons

Loft-type apartments are highly sought after in urban living, especially for those wanting more space while still living in an apartment or condominium in the city. Loft-type units offer spaciousness, high ceilings, and open layouts – resulting in a very unique aesthetic. However, how does it compare to other unit types, and is the loft-type right for you? 

In this guide, we’ll explore the key features of loft apartments and compare them against regular studio or bedroom apartments, ultimately helping you decide if you should go for a loft-type apartment.

What is a Loft Type Apartment?

Historically, loft-type apartments are old industrial buildings or factories with high ceilings converted into a residential set-up. However, in the Philippine context, loft-type units are intentionally designed and constructed by developers to offer an attractive, unique set-up. 

Usually, loft-type units have a ‘second floor’ in which the ceiling height could be the usual ceiling height, or it could be also lower (in converted loft-type units). This leverages extra floor space compared to traditional studio units, which most people turn into their bedroom or office space.

Features of Loft-Type Apartments

• High Ceilings: Typically, lofts feature ceilings that are 10 feet or higher which allows them to accommodate a second floor which will occupy some of the head space.
• Natural Light: Because of the high ceilings, developers usually take advantage of this by putting floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing a lot of natural light and providing a spacious feeling.
• Flexible Layout: Because of the relatively bigger space, lofts can accommodate different set-ups (e.g. Open plan, Bedrooms, etc.)

Differences between Loft Apartments and Studio Apartments

• Space: Lofts are often larger with higher ceilings and provide a bigger total floor space with its ‘second floor.’
• Cost: Loft apartments are often more expensive, almost bordering on the luxury rent price territory, especially since most available loft units are in condominium complexes located in the central business districts (prime areas).

Pros and Cons of Living in a Loft Apartment

Pros:

• Space and Design Flexibility: Since loft units offer a relatively bigger space, you have a lot of room to work with. You can put up dividers or keep it as an open floor plan.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Loft-style apartments offer a unique aesthetic that you can not replicate with studio apartments. This is conferred by the high ceilings and large windows, which let in a ton of natural light and prevent the room from feeling too cramped.

Cons:

• Temperature Control: Due to the bigger space, your air conditioning unit will also have to work harder and longer, which means that your electricity bill will almost definitely go up. Especially since some loft units do not have walls for their ‘second floors’ – you will have to air-condition the whole apartment.
• Higher Administration Fees: Administration costs are computed per square meter of floor space. Since loft units have more floor space, you will have to pay more every month.
• Bigger Space to Maintain: Still, because of the bigger space, you will have to cover more area when cleaning. Hired cleaning services will also charge more.

Solutions to Common Problems:

• While you cannot really avoid the Higher Administration Fees and Bigger Space to Maintain, you can do something about the Temperature Control. For instance, you can put up dividers or temporary walls to exclude areas where you do not need air conditioning. 

Cost Considerations for Loft Apartments:

Apartments with a loft design are often more expensive both for sale and for rent because of their size, aesthetic, and demand. Here are some factors affecting the cost:

• Location: A lot of condominiums or apartments with loft-style units are located in major cities and university belts. Since these are prime locations with high demand for residential spaces, the prices really shoot up.
• Size: A bigger unit size means a more expensive price.
• Design and Inclusions: Units with more fixtures and inclusions (e.g. appliances) are pricier than unfurnished ones.

Loft Apartments: Is it for you?

Loft apartments are in high demand due to their bigger size, high ceiling, unique aesthetic, and layout flexibility. While it is very attractive, there are also considerable drawbacks, specifically the higher monthly costs attached to it. If you are considering buying or renting a loft space, make sure to weigh the pros and cons, plan your layout ahead of time, and compute your budget to determine if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.

If you are still looking for loft apartments or similar units, you can go to https://dormy.ph where you’ll find hundreds of available rentals.